Marc Cucurella has voiced surprise over Noni Madueke’s decision to leave Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad early to finalise a transfer to Arsenal, suggesting the Anglo-Nigerian winger missed out on a valuable milestone with the Blues.
The Spanish full-back said Madueke could have waited just one more day and still completed the move without sacrificing a title-winning moment.
Madueke, whose father is Nigerian, departed the team’s camp in the United States this summer to complete a £52 million switch to Arsenal after making five appearances during the Club World Cup.
His exit came just before Chelsea’s emphatic 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final, where they lifted the trophy alongside U.S. President Donald Trump.
Cucurella, speaking recently about the timing of the move, admitted he found it confusing. “Yes, I think so,” he said when asked if Madueke’s decision was strange.
“He wasn’t playing as a starter, but I think he missed a good opportunity. It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait for that next day.”
Madueke ends his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge with 20 goals in 92 appearances across all competitions.
He joins Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga as part of Mikel Arteta’s summer overhaul at Arsenal.
